DIY Network

Installing a Programmable Thermostat Learn how to install a programmable thermostat. From "Home Made Easy" episode DHME-106

Guest Allegra Bennett, editor of Renovating Woman magazine, joins host Stephanie Lydecker and explains how to install a programmable thermostat to save you money with your heating costs. She also shows how simple it is to install a door sweep and how it can instantly weatherize your home by saving on your heating and cooling costs.

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	A programmable thermostat is easy to install and can help save money on your electric bill.
	Figure A
	Figure B

Installing a Programmable Thermostat

• A programmable thermostat regulates and automatically sets the temperature of your home at different times during the day. For example, if you go to bed at 10:30 or 11:00 p.m. you can program the thermostat so that the furnace lowers the temperature five to ten degrees at that exact time. You can also program it to raise the temperature, for example, during cold months at the time when you wake up each morning. It will lower the temperature of your home while you are at work and then re-set it before you get home.

• A good programmable thermostat will cost $40 and up, depending on the features you want. You can find less expensive models, but they might not provide what you need or have the warranty a better model does. When you are shopping for a programmable thermostat, keep an eye out for these features:
  1. The ability to store and repeat multiple settings; most offer six settings, including weekday and weekend programs.

  2. A manual override to allow you to change the current temperature without affecting the daily or weekly program.

  3. A back up battery to save the program in case of power outage.

  4. An easy-to-read digital display.

  5. Temperature accuracy within one degree, plus or minus.

• To install the programmable thermostat, the first thing you need to do is turn off the power to the furnace. Remove the face cover of the old thermostat. It just lifts off. Unscrew and remove the old thermostat's mounting plate from the wall, but don't disconnect any wires yet. The old thermostat should have a letter identify each wire. Attach a label that is included with your new thermostat to each wire that corresponds to the letter on the old thermostat.

• If your new thermostat doesn't have labels included, you can use masking tape and a felt tip pen to label it.

• Once labeled, then disconnect the wires from the existing thermostat backing (figure A).

• Unscrew the mounting screws that secure the base of the old thermostat to the wall and remove the thermostat.

• When you are ready to install the new one, simply thread the wiring through the base of the new programmable thermostat following the indicators from the new thermostat (figure B).

  Note: Models vary, so follow the directions on the package for attaching the wires.

• Next, secure the base to the wall with the mounting screws in the package.

• Connect the labeled wires to the appropriate terminals on the new thermostat using the indicators or instructions on the back of the thermostat to guide you. Connect the wires by feeding them into the connectors.

  Note: Some thermostats require a double AA battery that powers the read out screen. Install the battery/batteries where indicated in the back of the body/cover.

• Attach the body and cover assembly. Restore the power and program the thermostat.

• For approximately $15-20 you can purchase a cover for the thermostat and it comes with a lock. This will prevent people from moving the thermostat up and down and allows one person to control the setting.

GUESTS :

Allegra Bennett
Editor, Renovating Woman magazine

When a Woman Takes an Ax to a Wall
Allegra Bennett
0965617327
March 2002
LPC Group

How to Hire a Contractor: A Homeowners Guide to Dynamic Contractor Relationships
Allegra Bennett
0965617319
September 2000
Renovating Woman

Website: www.renovatingwoman.com